Compost collection rate falling

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Figures from Island Waste Management Corporation show the amount of compost collected on PEI dropped 24 per cent from 2009 to 2012.

It is difficult to know why the composting rate on the Island is down. (CBC)

That's a decrease of almost 6,000 tonnes over that period. During that same time period, the amount of waste going into black bins on P.E.I., went up by eight per cent.

IWMC CEO Gerry Moore said a big part of this change is due to some key industrial players that are no longer delivering compost. That includes Cavendish Farms, which now uses its organic waste to make gas.

Waste collection (in tonnes)

Year

Compost

Waste

2009

23,905

51,058

2010

20,713

52,925

2011

19,089

53,578

2012

18,168

55,078

Moore also said homeowners may be letting their sorting slip a little.

"When we compare it year over year, there is so many variables it is hard to determine whether the participation rate overall is going up or going down," said Moore.

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